BPA Exposure From Plastics Can Raise Male Testosterone Levels

In a large population study, for the first time, scientists have identified changes in sex hormones associated with BPA exposure in men, .

An international group of researchers led by the Peninsula Medical School and the University of Exeter analysed data from the InCHIANTI study, an Italian population sample.

Eating Disorders Linked to Sex Hormone Changes During Puberty
Eating disorders during puberty could be directly related to changes in sex hormones, a new research carried out by Michigan State University reveals.

The team measured the amount of BPA excreted per day in urine samples. 715 adults aged between 20 and 74 years were studied.

The study aimed to measure the daily BPA loads excreted by adults, and to examine statistical associations between the amount of BPA exposure and serum oestrogen and testosterone concentrations.

The average BPA daily exposure level in this European study population (over 5 micrograms per day) was slightly higher than recent comparable estimates for the USA population.

Female Fertility Regulated by Active Male Sex Hormones in Ovaries
Male sex hormones, such as testosterone, present and active in the ovaries, helps regulate female fertility.

The study found that higher BPA exposure was statistically associated with endocrine changes in men, specifically small increases in levels of testosterone in the blood.

BPA has a similar molecular structure to oestrogen and does cause some disruption of sex hormone signalling in laboratory animals, but this is the first large human study to suggest that it may have similar effects in adults at 'background' exposure levels.

Study Finds How Sex Hormones Control 'Masculinization' of the Brain
Some information about how sex hormones control masculinization of the brain during development and drive gender related behaviors in adult males has been uncovered in a new study.

Professor David Melzer, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at the Peninsula Medical School (Exeter, UK), commented: "This is the first big study of BPA from a European country and confirms that 'routine' exposures in the population are not negligible. It also shows that higher exposure to BPA is statistically associated with modest changes in levels of testosterone in men.

"This finding is consistent with the evidence from laboratory experiments. However, this is just the first step in proving that at 'ordinary' exposure levels, BPA might be active in the human body. This new evidence does justify proper human safety studies to clarify the effects of BPA in people."

Sex Hormones Linked With Osteoporotic Fracture in Older Men
Low levels of estradiol or high levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) are associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fracture in older men, according to a new study

BPA is a controversial chemical commonly used in food and drink containers. It has previously caused concerns over health risks to babies, as it is present in some baby's bottles.

The study results are published in the latest issue of Environmental Health Perspectives.

Source-ANI